Poaceae
Brachiaria brizantha
Palisade grass
G
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This tufted perennial grass typically grows 60-120 cm tall, sometimes reaching 200 cm, with deep roots and short rhizomes. It features stout, erect or slightly decumbent stems and bright green, flat leaves up to 100 cm long. The inflorescence is a panicle consisting of 2-16 racemes, bearing elliptical spikelets 4-6 mm long, often with a fringe of purplish hairs.
Where it works in Kilifi
A robust choice for Kilifi-coast gardens and landscapes, this grass is excellent for erosion control and as ground cover, especially under tree plantations. It thrives in full sun to light shade and adapts to a wide range of free-draining soils, from light to heavy, though it performs best in soils with medium to high fertility.
Growing notes
This warm-season grass exhibits fast growth and can remain green during dry seasons of 3-6 months, tolerating drought moderately well once established. It requires annual rainfall above 800 mm but is not well-suited to poorly drained or waterlogged soils. While generally hardy, its leaves are sensitive to frost.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: feedipedia.org, blogspot.com, wikipedia.org, drss.gov.zw, theferns.info, pasoita.com.br. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.